The Wildcats took a late lead, though the Blue Devils attempted to come from behind. Their only goal was overturned due to a technicality.

Zach Kendziorski scored Alpena's only goal, bouncing the ball off a Sault player and into the net.

The Blue Devils' Luca Alagia had four saves.

"It was a hard match all the way through," Azevedo said. "We didn't give up for a second. Alpena was a quality team.

"I'm proud of the boys. They did a really good job. I was happy with their level of play."

This was one of the first games this season in which the Sault had a sub on the bench. Because of injuries, the Blue Devils played shorthanded for the last few games.

The Blue Devils also struggled with young and inexperienced players, although they’ve made progress and continue to improve.

"From the beginning of the year until now is totally different," Azevedo said. "When we had possession (of the ball), we played really well. We kept in position and played as a unit. We talked throughout and had good communication.

"This is the kind of match you want to be in. It was a good competition and the boys learned a lot.

"We need to work on finishing, for sure. We need to be better at putting the ball in the net. That was the weakest part of our game."